Verse
Context
Ministers of a New Covenant
4Such confidence before God is ours through Christ.5Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.6And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves - We do not arrogate to ourselves any power to enlighten the mind or change the heart, we are only instruments in the hand of God. Nor was it possible for us apostles to think, to invent, such a scheme of salvation as is the Gospel; and if we even had been equal to the invention, how could we have fulfilled such promises as this scheme of salvation abounds with? God alone could fulfill these promises, and he fulfils only those which he makes himself. All these promises have been amen-ratified and fulfilled to you who have believed on Christ Jesus according to our preaching; therefore, ye are God's workmanship and it is only by God's sufficiency that we have been able to do any thing. This I believe to be the apostle's meaning in this place, and that he speaks here merely of the Gospel scheme, and the inability of human wisdom to invent it; and the words λογισασθαι τι, which we translate to think any thing, signify, properly, to find any thing out by reasoning; and as the Gospel scheme of salvation is the subject in hand, to that subject the words are to be referred and limited. The words, however, contain also a general truth; we can neither think, act, nor be, without God. From him we have received all our powers, whether of body or of mind, and without him we can do nothing. But we may abuse both our power of thinking and acting; for the power to think, and the power to act, are widely different from the act of thinking, and the act of doing. God gives us the power or capacity to think and act, but he neither thinks nor acts for us. It is on this ground that we may abuse our powers, and think evil, and act wickedly; and it is on this ground that we are accountable for our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The Greek is, "Not that we are (even yet after so long experience as ministers) sufficient to think anything OF ourselves as (coming) FROM ourselves; but our sufficiency is (derived) FROM God." "From" more definitely refers to the source out of which a thing comes; "of" is more general. to think--Greek, to "reason out" or "devise"; to attain to sound preaching by our reasonings [THEODORET]. The "we" refers here to ministers (Pe2 1:21). anything--even the least. We cannot expect too little from man, or too much from God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves,.... Though we are sufficient for this work to which God has called us, and have such trust and confidence that he has blessed and owned us, and done such great things by us; yet we do not ascribe anything to ourselves, to any power of ours, to any self-sufficiency in us: for "we are not sufficient of ourselves" neither for the work of the ministry, nor for the conversion of sinners, nor for faith and hope in God, nor for any spiritual work whatever; not even to think anything as of ourselves; any good thing, either for our own use and benefit, or for the advantage of others; we are not able of ourselves to meditate with judgment and affection upon the word of God, to study the Scriptures, to collect from them things fit for the ministry; and much less with freedom and boldness to speak of them to edification; and still less able to impress them upon the heart: for though you who are the epistle of Christ are ministered by us, yet not by any power and self-sufficiency of ours; but our sufficiency is of God; to think, to speak, and to act for his glory.
Ministers of a New Covenant
4Such confidence before God is ours through Christ.5Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.6And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Jack Hyles Fresh Oil Part 1
By Jack Hyles2.8K09:361SA 16:132SA 2:42SA 5:3PSA 92:10ISA 61:1JER 1:51CO 1:272CO 3:5EPH 5:18PHP 4:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of being anointed with fresh oil, drawing parallels to King David's anointing as a symbol of God's empowerment and calling. It shares a personal testimony of overcoming challenges and doubts to fulfill God's calling, highlighting the transformative power of God's call and qualification in one's life.
(2 Corinthians) ch.4:3-4:11
By Zac Poonen2.0K44:29GEN 1:3JHN 12:242CO 3:52CO 4:52CO 4:10In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the ministry of the New Covenant and the importance of being adequate for this ministry. He emphasizes that it is God who makes us adequate, not our knowledge or gifts. The speaker highlights the need for preachers and Christians to go beyond imparting knowledge and instead bring people into a life of godliness, humility, and purity. He explains that the key to New Covenant ministry is dying to oneself, as Jesus said in John 12:24, and allowing the life of Jesus to flow through us. The speaker also discusses the veil that is over the gospel, which is veiled to those who are lost and blinded by the god of this world. He emphasizes that it is the life behind the knowledge and gifts that enables one to be a minister of the New Covenant.
At the Kings Gate
By Teresa Conlon2.0K1:00:232CO 3:5In this sermon titled "At the King's Gate," the speaker focuses on the story of Esther in the Bible. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a heart for God and living for His glory. The speaker highlights the character of Mordecai, who stands firm at the king's gate despite facing opposition and persecution. Mordecai's unwavering faith and obedience to God's will ultimately lead to a revelation and a prophetic message for Esther. The sermon encourages listeners to stay faithful to God, even in the face of adversity, and to trust in His power and guidance.
The Glorious Ministration of the Spirit
By Carter Conlon1.8K47:17Holy SpiritMAT 6:331CO 1:181CO 2:41CO 2:161CO 3:62CO 3:32CO 3:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ rather than being distracted by the charisma and self-promotion of human leaders. He warns against being drawn to those who seek to gain personal glory and take advantage of others. The preacher highlights the need to see beyond the veil and have a genuine encounter with God. He emphasizes that when we turn to the Lord, the veil is lifted, and we are able to see Christ clearly. The sermon concludes with the reminder that it is God who brings about transformation and growth, and it is through His presence that we experience true liberty and generosity.
Through the Bible - 2 Corinthians - Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.8K57:33Through The Bible2CO 2:42CO 3:52CO 4:12CO 6:32CO 7:22CO 8:202CO 11:19In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the qualities and characteristics of the apostle Paul as a servant of God. He emphasizes that Paul was called by God and had a deep love for those he served. Paul depended entirely on God and did not rely on human resources. He also never gave up despite facing hardships and challenges. The speaker encourages believers to be sincere, anointed with the Holy Spirit, and to conduct themselves as ambassadors of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life.
Your Conscience, the Cross, True Faith, False Religion
By David Cooper1.5K1:13:54ConscienceMAT 7:13JHN 3:20JHN 6:47JHN 6:53JHN 14:6ACT 4:122CO 3:5In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the profound significance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the hill of Calvary. The preacher emphasizes the selfless love and grace of God, as He willingly dies for the sins of mankind. The sermon describes the scene of Jesus being nailed to the cross and the immense love that compelled Him to bleed and die for humanity. The preacher also shares a personal experience of encountering the crucified Christ and being convicted of his own guilt, leading to repentance and a realization of the forgiveness offered through Jesus' sacrifice.
Motivated by Love
By Zac Poonen1.0K53:38JHN 7:372CO 3:5HEB 8:13This sermon delves into the profound understanding of being a servant of the New Covenant, emphasizing the inadequacy of human efforts and the sufficiency found in God. It explores the contrast between the Old and New Covenants, highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant. The importance of preserving love for Jesus is underscored, drawing from the depth of Christ's love and the awareness of personal forgiveness to fuel genuine service and ministry.
Revival Begins With You - Part 1
By Tom Phillips98637:03Personal Revival2CH 7:14PSA 81:10MAT 22:37MAT 28:19ROM 7:192CO 3:51PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the opportunity and simplicity of sharing the word of God. He emphasizes that God will provide the words for us to speak and encourages listeners to not be afraid or worried about what to say. The speaker shares his favorite witnessing verse, Psalm 81:10, which reminds us to open our mouths wide and allow God to fill them. He also emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in Jesus and being a vessel for God's work.
The Gospel Is the Power of God
By Eli Brayley82753:06GospelNUM 13:30NUM 14:20MRK 10:17ROM 1:162CO 3:5PHP 4:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of power and how it is perceived in different aspects of life. He mentions examples such as machines, art, and military force to illustrate the idea of power. However, he emphasizes that the most powerful thing in the world is Jesus Christ. The speaker refers to the interaction between Jesus and the rich man who asked about inheriting eternal life, highlighting how Jesus challenged the man's perception of righteousness and revealed his attachment to wealth.
Sufficiency for Godly Living #4 - Insufficient Vessels Containing Sufficient Treasure
By Bob Hoekstra68651:162CO 3:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of Christians being like earthen vessels, fragile and vulnerable. However, the speaker also highlights the exhilaration and joy that comes from having the treasure of Jesus within us. Life is described as a tank that relentlessly comes at us, but as Christians, we are not crushed or destroyed because of the treasure within us. The sermon also discusses the process of magnifying the treasure within us, despite facing pressures and challenges in life.
The Great Things God Has Done for His People
By William Gadsby12SA 23:5PSA 126:3ISA 55:3LUK 5:31JHN 6:37JHN 17:6ROM 3:19ROM 8:292CO 3:5EPH 1:5HEB 9:221PE 3:18William Gadsby preaches about the great mysteries of salvation that many struggle to comprehend, including God's saving power for even the worst sinners, the method of salvation through God's electing love, and the role of God the Spirit in revealing and maintaining salvation in the hearts of believers. He emphasizes the need for true surrender and acknowledgment of one's sinful state before experiencing God's compassion and love. Gadsby highlights the importance of being part of God's spiritual family, predestined for eternal life, and the necessity of being brought out of spiritual captivity to truly understand and appreciate the great things God has done for His people.
Be an Ambassador of Jesus Christ
By Zac Poonen1Christian CharacterAmbassadorship2CO 1:12CO 2:42CO 3:52CO 4:12CO 5:202CO 6:32CO 7:22CO 8:202CO 10:132CO 11:232CO 12:92CO 13:9Zac Poonen emphasizes that Paul exemplified the role of an Ambassador of Jesus Christ, highlighting twelve essential marks that should characterize every believer's life. These include being called by God, sincere, anointed by the Holy Spirit, and loving those served. Paul’s total dependence on God, perseverance in ministry, and wise handling of resources are also crucial traits. Furthermore, he served as a model for others, accepted suffering, and aimed for the spiritual maturity of believers. Poonen encourages the congregation to emulate Paul's example in their own lives.
All That God Has Begun He Himself Continues
By Andrew Murray1Dependence On GodGod's FaithfulnessJHN 5:19ROM 8:282CO 3:5GAL 2:20EPH 2:10PHP 1:6PHP 2:13COL 1:291TH 5:24HEB 13:21Andrew Murray emphasizes that God is the initiator and sustainer of all good works in our lives, assuring us that He will complete what He has started. He highlights the importance of recognizing God's active role in our spiritual journey, encouraging believers to depend on Him as Jesus did. By understanding that God works in us to fulfill His will, we can transform our spiritual lives and embody the mindset of Christ, who exemplified complete reliance on the Father. This message calls for a deeper faith in God's continuous work within us, fostering a spirit of yielding and dependence.
The Intercessory Prayers of Christians
By T.M. Anderson0LUK 11:5JHN 15:262CO 3:5COL 4:121TH 1:8T.M. Anderson preaches on the ministry of prayer and preaching, emphasizing the integral role they play in the plan of salvation. Through the teachings of Jesus, it is revealed that praying and preaching are ways of communication between God and man, appealing to each other's will. The Epistles highlight the power of intercessory prayer, showing how fervent prayers can lead believers to stand perfect in God's will. The responsibility to pray for others is crucial, as seen in the parable of the man seeking three loaves for a weary traveler, symbolizing our duty to intercede for those lost in the darkness of sin.
Access to Grace Through Humility and Faith
By Bob Hoekstra0JHN 15:5ROM 5:22CO 3:5JAS 4:6Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of humility and faith in accessing God's grace. He emphasizes that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, and that through Jesus, we have access to this grace by faith. Humility involves recognizing our inadequacies and our need for God to work in and through our lives, while faith involves trusting in God's ability to produce the kind of life He calls us to live.
Amos 7:14
By Chuck Smith0Ordinary PeopleGod's CallingEXO 3:10ISA 6:5JER 1:6AMO 7:14MAT 4:19LUK 5:8ROM 8:281CO 1:272CO 3:51TI 1:15Chuck Smith emphasizes that God has a unique plan of service for each individual, highlighting that He does not redeem us merely to occupy space in a pew but to actively touch the lives of others. He points out that God uses ordinary people, like Amos, who may feel unqualified, to accomplish His work, and that many disqualify themselves based on their perceived ordinariness. Smith reassures that God's callings come with His enablements, and one does not need to abandon their current responsibilities to fulfill God's purpose. Ultimately, the sermon reflects God's deep love for the lost, as He continues to reach out to His people despite their shortcomings.
Our Sufficiency Is of God
By E.M. Bounds0Spiritual PreachingDivine Sufficiency2CO 3:5E.M. Bounds emphasizes the profound necessity of divine sufficiency in preaching, illustrating that true ministry is empowered by God and the Holy Spirit. He warns against the dangers of non-spiritual preaching, which may appear eloquent but lacks the life-giving energy of the Spirit. Bounds highlights that a preacher must experience a deep surrender to God, recognizing their own powerlessness to effectively convey God's message. The essence of life-giving preaching is rooted in the preacher's inner transformation and crucifixion of self, allowing God's power to flow through them. Ultimately, Bounds calls for a ministry that is not only knowledgeable but also spiritually vibrant and alive.
Rejoicing in Boastings
By Charles Finney0The Danger of PrideHumilityPRO 16:18ISA 42:8ROM 12:31CO 4:72CO 3:5GAL 6:14EPH 2:8PHP 2:13JAS 4:161PE 5:5Charles Finney emphasizes the danger of self-complacency and the wickedness of rejoicing in our own boastings, as highlighted in James 4:16. He explains that true prosperity, influence, and spiritual attainments are gifts from God, and any pride in these areas is a denial of His grace. Finney warns that self-complacency leads to spiritual pride, which can grieve the Holy Spirit and hinder our relationship with God. He urges believers to recognize that all good comes from God and to rejoice in Him rather than in their own accomplishments. Ultimately, he calls for humility and a focus on God's grace as the source of all goodness in our lives.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
By Samuel Chadwick02CH 16:9PSA 127:1ZEC 4:6JHN 16:8ACT 2:3ROM 8:91CO 3:162CO 3:5GAL 2:20EPH 2:22Samuel Chadwick preaches about the Holy Spirit's dwelling in sanctified humanity, emphasizing that God values loving hearts over costly buildings and seeks men to carry out His work. The Spirit empowers believers, transforming them with new energy and effectiveness, making them able ministers of the Gospel. Chadwick highlights the importance of the Spirit's presence in believers, attributing all spiritual effectiveness to the indwelling power that quickens and gives life. He also stresses that the conquest of the world for God can only be achieved through the Holy Ghost, convicting hearts of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
Poor and Contrite Spirits—the Objects of the Divine Favor
By Samuel Davies0PSA 34:15PSA 73:25PSA 139:23PRO 18:23ISA 66:2MAT 5:32CO 3:5JAS 2:5Samuel Davies preaches about the importance of being poor and contrite in spirit, and trembling at the Word of God to receive divine favor. He emphasizes the need for humility, self-abasement, and a sense of sinfulness in order to attract God's loving attention. Davies highlights that God looks upon those who are deeply aware of their insufficiency, unworthiness, and need for divine grace and righteousness. He encourages the congregation to be like the man whom God graciously regards, showing that even the most insignificant individuals are noticed and cared for by the Almighty.
Serving the Lord by the Power of the Holy Spirit
By Zac Poonen02CO 3:5Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of spiritual leaders doing all their work in the will of God, by the power of God, and for the glory of God. He highlights that true servants of the new covenant are equipped and made adequate by God, and therefore cannot take credit for their labors. Poonen stresses that if what is being passed on to others is from God, there should be no room for pride, as the credit belongs to God alone. He warns against relying solely on human abilities and resources in Christian work, emphasizing the necessity of the Holy Spirit's power and anointing for lasting impact.
The Vicariousness of Prayer
By P.T. Forsyth0ROM 8:261CO 9:162CO 3:5EPH 6:18COL 4:2P.T. Forsyth delivers a sermon on the challenges and solemn responsibilities of ministry, emphasizing the constant sense of insufficiency and unworthiness that comes with handling the gospel. He highlights the need for ministers to convey Christ effectively, understanding the sacramental nature of their work and the judgment and salvation that comes with presenting the gospel. Forsyth stresses the importance of prayer in deepening faith, recovering evangelical experience, and maintaining the minister's spiritual vitality amidst the difficulties of public and private prayer. He calls for a reconstruction of theology and a restoration of faith through prayer, emphasizing the transformative power of true prayer in shaping the minister's personality and ministry.
The Difference Between Old Covenant and New Covenant Servant
By Zac Poonen0Dependence On GodNew Covenant Ministry2CO 3:5Zac Poonen emphasizes the significant differences between old covenant and new covenant servants in his sermon. He explains that while old covenant servants relied on their knowledge of the law, new covenant servants must experience God's message personally and serve from that experience. Poonen highlights that true ministry comes from God's sufficiency, not our own, and that we are called to distribute God's blessings rather than produce them ourselves. He warns against preaching that leads to condemnation, advocating instead for a message that uplifts and brings hope to others. Ultimately, he encourages reliance on God for strength and resources in ministry.
The Secret of the Christian Life
By Gene Edwards0JHN 15:52CO 3:5GAL 2:20PHP 2:13COL 1:27Gene Edwards challenges the common beliefs about living the Christian life, emphasizing that it is impossible for humans to live it on their own. He points out the flaw in the idea that we can achieve it through actions like praying, reading the Bible, going to church, or tithing, as they all revolve around 'you-centeredness.' Instead, Gene highlights that God the Father is the Christian life itself, and it is His life alone that can live out the Christian life in us. He encourages letting go of the burden of trying to live the Christian life and allowing God to work through us effortlessly.
Dealing With "Evil Propensities"
By Asa Mahan0ACT 20:21ROM 6:221CO 1:302CO 3:5EPH 6:10HEB 12:28Asa Mahan emphasizes the importance of surrendering all aspects of our lives to Christ for both salvation and sanctification. He highlights the need for sinners to repent, have faith in Jesus, and fully commit themselves to Christ to receive forgiveness, become children of God, and experience peace and joy. For believers struggling with living up to God's standards, Mahan stresses the necessity of confessing sins, renewing obedience, and trusting in Christ for victory over temptations and propensities. He warns against relying on human resolutions for sanctification but instead encourages complete trust in Christ for both justification and sanctification, leading to a life centered on Christ and producing love, obedience, and unmovable faith.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves - We do not arrogate to ourselves any power to enlighten the mind or change the heart, we are only instruments in the hand of God. Nor was it possible for us apostles to think, to invent, such a scheme of salvation as is the Gospel; and if we even had been equal to the invention, how could we have fulfilled such promises as this scheme of salvation abounds with? God alone could fulfill these promises, and he fulfils only those which he makes himself. All these promises have been amen-ratified and fulfilled to you who have believed on Christ Jesus according to our preaching; therefore, ye are God's workmanship and it is only by God's sufficiency that we have been able to do any thing. This I believe to be the apostle's meaning in this place, and that he speaks here merely of the Gospel scheme, and the inability of human wisdom to invent it; and the words λογισασθαι τι, which we translate to think any thing, signify, properly, to find any thing out by reasoning; and as the Gospel scheme of salvation is the subject in hand, to that subject the words are to be referred and limited. The words, however, contain also a general truth; we can neither think, act, nor be, without God. From him we have received all our powers, whether of body or of mind, and without him we can do nothing. But we may abuse both our power of thinking and acting; for the power to think, and the power to act, are widely different from the act of thinking, and the act of doing. God gives us the power or capacity to think and act, but he neither thinks nor acts for us. It is on this ground that we may abuse our powers, and think evil, and act wickedly; and it is on this ground that we are accountable for our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The Greek is, "Not that we are (even yet after so long experience as ministers) sufficient to think anything OF ourselves as (coming) FROM ourselves; but our sufficiency is (derived) FROM God." "From" more definitely refers to the source out of which a thing comes; "of" is more general. to think--Greek, to "reason out" or "devise"; to attain to sound preaching by our reasonings [THEODORET]. The "we" refers here to ministers (Pe2 1:21). anything--even the least. We cannot expect too little from man, or too much from God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves,.... Though we are sufficient for this work to which God has called us, and have such trust and confidence that he has blessed and owned us, and done such great things by us; yet we do not ascribe anything to ourselves, to any power of ours, to any self-sufficiency in us: for "we are not sufficient of ourselves" neither for the work of the ministry, nor for the conversion of sinners, nor for faith and hope in God, nor for any spiritual work whatever; not even to think anything as of ourselves; any good thing, either for our own use and benefit, or for the advantage of others; we are not able of ourselves to meditate with judgment and affection upon the word of God, to study the Scriptures, to collect from them things fit for the ministry; and much less with freedom and boldness to speak of them to edification; and still less able to impress them upon the heart: for though you who are the epistle of Christ are ministered by us, yet not by any power and self-sufficiency of ours; but our sufficiency is of God; to think, to speak, and to act for his glory.